staccato

 
Pronunciation: /stəˈkɑːtəʊ/
chiefly Music

adverb & adjective

  • with each sound or note sharply detached or separated from the others: [as adjective]: a staccato rhythmCompare with legato, marcato.

noun (plural staccatos)

  • a piece or passage marked to be performed staccato.
  • a series of short, sharp sounds or words: her heels made a rapid staccato on the polished boards

Origin:

Italian, literally 'detached'

Spelling help

Spell staccato with a double c.